Tamiya 1/12 motorcycle kits: How to avoid the bin

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Mark Warrington - 30 Oct 2006 21:31 GMT

Hi,

I have quite a bit of experience modelling. Most of it extremely frustrating
if I am honest. I don't think I have built a kit yet that I was really happy
with, and 2 years ago I told my wife that if I ever bought a kit again she
should throw it straight in the bin before I start it.

I just bought a 1/12 scale hayabusa kit from tamiya :-)

So, I have some questions to hopefully avoid some of the problems I've had
in the past before I start this kit.

1. Last time I built a kit I got quite a nice finish on the bodywork using
tamiya sprays. I then applied the decals and tried to apply a coat of clear
varnish on the top, and the decals started to disintegrate. I'm not really
sure why this was, and although it wasn't a total disaster it certainly
spoilt it for me. Any advice on this?
2. On the same subject, I want to get a really nice polished look to the
bodywork. I've done a search on the web and there is quite a lot of
information about how to achieve this, but almost all relating to model
cars, which by and large don't have that many decals on the body so can be
painted and polished to your hearts content. Anyone here have any specific
advice about achieving this with motorcycle kits?
3. Will I get a better finish using a proper spray gun as opposed to spray
cans? If so, can anyone recommend a good model to me? Are they quite easy to
learn how to use because I've never used one before and I'm not sure if I'm
better off sticking with the cans.
4. Are there any good books around that would help me achieve a good
painting result on this project? I really want it to be a success.

Thanks for your help, and sorry if a lot of these questions get asked all
time.

Cheers, Mark.

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C.R. Krieger - 31 Oct 2006 18:39 GMT

> I just bought a 1/12 scale hayabusa kit from tamiya :-)
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> sure why this was, and although it wasn't a total disaster it certainly
> spoilt it for me. Any advice on this?

There are certain spray solvents that will destroy decals. An airbrush
and clear enamel will usually sidestep this problem. Use of hobby
enamels or acrylics will also help. However, buying a clear gloss
finish spray off the shelf is always a risk unless you've used it
before. If you're in doubt, use a small piece of the intended decal to
test your clearcoat.

> 2. On the same subject, I want to get a really nice polished look to the
> bodywork. I've done a search on the web and there is quite a lot of
> information about how to achieve this, but almost all relating to model
> cars, which by and large don't have that many decals on the body so can be
> painted and polished to your hearts content. Anyone here have any specific
> advice about achieving this with motorcycle kits?

Lots of Car Guys© do this with lots of decals on the body. Think
NASCAR modelers (although, strictly speaking, most sponsor decals
shouldn't be glossy because they're stick-on vinyl on the 1:1). What
this takes is lots of clear topcoat so it can be polished with a
polishing kit. Either that or a deft hand in applying the topcoat so
it turns out glossy.

> 3. Will I get a better finish using a proper spray gun as opposed to spray
> cans? If so, can anyone recommend a good model to me? Are they quite easy to
> learn how to use because I've never used one before and I'm not sure if I'm
> better off sticking with the cans.

If you're really attached to the Hayabusa, get yourself a cheap
'practice model' for learning how to use an airbrush. Then, get a good
quality airbrush. I like the Paasche H single action for starters,
although the airbrush fanatics will insist you *must* have a double
action unit. I have both and I don't see what all the fuss is about.
There's almost nothing you can do with a double action brush you can't
do with a good single action brush.

> 4. Are there any good books around that would help me achieve a good
> painting result on this project? I really want it to be a success.

Hit your local library. There are plenty of books on airbrush use.
The only real drawback to a typical modeler is that these books deal in
artistic or illustrative uses, not the simple (but small) surface
painting that we do. If you know how to use a spray can, you'll
quickly figure out how to refine your technique with an airbrush -
because you can. As I said, shoot a cheap practice model, expecting
crappy results, so you learn what you're doing first. Good luck and
enjoy!
--
C.R. Krieger
Been there; done that

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Model Forum / General / Models / October 2006

Tamiya 1/12 motorcycle kits: How to avoid the bin